Days 1 & 2
June 9, 2010
One word: amazing! I really couldn't ask for anything more.
The reception we have received from our sites has been so incredibly warm and helpful, going out of their way at every turn to help us have a successful trip (even down to procuring us fresh local mangoes and teaching us the "Caymanian" way to eat them!).
The work that the volunteers are doing continues to blow me away daily, as I have had the pleasure of watching all of them in action and am constantly impressed by their musicality, flexibility, and obvious passion for this work.
The media have taken an interest in our project, and we have been contacted by radio, news, and the local paper all looking to do stories and clips on our visit-- what an amazing opportunity to spread the word about music therapy and get people informed!
We have also been working on our song for the Special Olympics closing ceremony (see "team news" blog for more details about that), and it has been a lovely chance for all 10 of us to come together in the music, each adding his/her own voice and suggestions, and tweaking the song as we go.
And the weather has been gorgeous to boot. We have found some time each day to take a little drive to the beach, all 10 of us in our van, clowncar style (many thanks to Lee for the van :)), which has been a beautiful way to unwind from the day's volunteering and have some Team bonding time.
So, Team Cayman is off to a fabulous start! I am looking forward to all that the rest of the week has in store for us :)
Julianne
The reception we have received from our sites has been so incredibly warm and helpful, going out of their way at every turn to help us have a successful trip (even down to procuring us fresh local mangoes and teaching us the "Caymanian" way to eat them!).
The work that the volunteers are doing continues to blow me away daily, as I have had the pleasure of watching all of them in action and am constantly impressed by their musicality, flexibility, and obvious passion for this work.
The media have taken an interest in our project, and we have been contacted by radio, news, and the local paper all looking to do stories and clips on our visit-- what an amazing opportunity to spread the word about music therapy and get people informed!
We have also been working on our song for the Special Olympics closing ceremony (see "team news" blog for more details about that), and it has been a lovely chance for all 10 of us to come together in the music, each adding his/her own voice and suggestions, and tweaking the song as we go.
And the weather has been gorgeous to boot. We have found some time each day to take a little drive to the beach, all 10 of us in our van, clowncar style (many thanks to Lee for the van :)), which has been a beautiful way to unwind from the day's volunteering and have some Team bonding time.
So, Team Cayman is off to a fabulous start! I am looking forward to all that the rest of the week has in store for us :)
Julianne
Posted by Julianne Parolisi
I received a dual master's degree in music therapy & mental health counseling from Lesley University in May, 2010. During my studies I interned at the Perkins School for the Blind with children in the Lower School, and at Strides DayHab with adults with developmental disabilities. My master's thesis, published and available through Lesley, explores the therapeutic benefits & potential of choral singing. I am very excited to be sharing the power of music with the people of Grand Cayman this summer!
